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Two undefeated runs remained intact at Anfield, however solely one side could derive genuine satisfaction from the outcome. Leeds United executed a perfect strategy of stifling and restricting the hosts, with the first goalless draw of Arne Slot's reign underscoring the persistent issues behind the reigning champions' recent upturn.

Defensive Masterclass Earns Vital Result

A drab goalless stalemate, the first in 84 fixtures for Liverpool, was largely attributable to the defensive solidity of the excellent defensive duo Struijk and Bijol, combined with the Anfield side's inability to break down a compact Leeds defence. The Merseysiders were limited to speculative opportunities, and a smattering of boos could be heard around the stadium at the full-time whistle on a laboured performance.

"Should I do not use the entire squad and we have a fixture list like this, I would not do this," the manager stated. "For a player like Dominic I have to protect him. We all are aware his recent couple of years was challenging. He is in incredible shape but it's important I look after him and sometimes the head needs to win over the emotion."

Liverpool's Frustration in Front of Goal

Arne Slot's team initially showed more zip and precision than in recent outings, with the right wing-back prominent on the right side. However, golden chances were scarce. Their primary openings in the first half involved forward Hugo Ekitiké.

• After a neat one-two with Curtis Jones, the French forward cut inside and forced a stop from goalkeeper Lucas Perri at his near post.
• The visitors' shot-stopper could not hold the shot, requiring a crucial intervention from James Justin to prevent Florian Wirtz tapping in the loose ball.
• Ekitiké later raced clear onto a long ball but was impeded by Jaka Bijol; despite staying on his feet, his appeals for a penalty were dismissed.

Missed Chances Are Costly

Ekitiké's evening worsened when he did not manage to hit the target with his best chance. Connecting with a pacy Frimpong delivery in the six-yard box, the striker misdirected a glance that struck the Perri while facing an unguarded net.

For Leeds, their most notable opportunity arrived from an Alisson mistake. The experienced keeper sent a careless clearance directly to midfielder Ethan Ampadu, whose first-time shot returned down the centre was saved by the alert Alisson.

Turgid Final Stages

The contest descended into a bitty encounter, devoid on incident. Dominik Szoboszlai, returning from suspension, tested Perri from range. The resulting rebound resulted in Ampadu handling the ball, awarding the hosts a free-kick in a promising position, which Wirtz wasted into the defence.

The Liverpool manager introduced a triple substitution to bring urgency, and soon after Virgil van Dijk went agonisingly close to nodding his team in front from a set-piece, his header bouncing just wide the post.

Substitute Dominic Calvert-Lewin believed he had continued his goal streak for the visitors in the closing stages, but his tap-in was ruled out for a tight offside. Ultimately, the two sides had to accept a single of the points.